How to Prune Dead Wood on Clematis

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Clematis (Clematis spp.) pruning rules become quite confusing because pruning methods vary among different types of clematis and when they bloom. Grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 11, some clematis species bloom on the previous year's growth and must be pruned after flowering in order to preserve the flower buds, while others bloom on new growth and should be pruned in the spring. Fortunately, dead wood doesn't have active buds to preserve and should be pruned as it occurs in order to maintain a neat appearance.

1

Wait until the leaf buds swell or the vines leaf out in spring before pruning dead wood. After leaves develop, inspect the plant to find the dead wood that needs to be pruned. It is difficult to distinguish between live and dead wood when clematis is dormant because the entire plant appears lifeless.

2

Disinfect a pair of pruning shears in a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach and 9 parts water.

3

Trace a dead vine back to its point of origin or to the living part of the vine if only part of the vine is dead.

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4

Cut the dead branch about 1/4 inch outside the living branch union or, if the branch is only partially dead, cut a minimum of 6 inches outside the dead area. Make a downward angled cut so water drains easily off the cut, preventing the risk of fungal problems.

5

Disinfect the pruners in the bleach solution immediately after making each pruning cut. While clematis wood can die as a result of injury or age, disease is another common cause of dead wood. It is better to assume that all branches died as a result of disease and disinfect between cuts so you avoid spreading disease to other parts of the clematis.

Things Needed

Chlorine bleach

Hand pruners

Tips

Clematis wood is small enough in diameter that you can cut through the wood with a small pair of hand pruners. You can also use anvil-style pruners, in which a single blade closes on a fixed plate or bypass pruners, which utilize two blades with scissor action.

Photo Credits

Tom Brakefield/Stockbyte/Getty Images

About the Author

A former cake decorator and competitive horticulturist, Amelia Allonsy is most at home in the kitchen or with her hands in the dirt. She received her Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University. Her work has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle and on other websites.